A Day in the Life of a Community Link Coordinator
What does it mean to be a Community Link Coordinator (CLC)?
At Next Stage, our CLC’s are the bridge between the people we support and the world of opportunities around them. They help people grow in independence, build confidence and find joy in daily life. Whether that’s joining a class, discovering a new hobby, or connecting with essential services.
No two days are ever the same. Here’s how our team, Jacob, Jodie, Natalie, Lee, Mandy, Millie and Jay, bring the role to life.
Jodie: Building Trust and Opening Doors
For Jodie, mornings begin with a check-in with the people she supports. A quick chat often leads to bigger opportunities.
“A friendly chat can make all the difference to someone’s day.” – Jodie
Her days are filled with helping people take steps toward independence, from preparing for college to enrolling in courses at Adult Learning Centres. She’s even exploring the idea of a community bus hub to make activities more accessible.
For Jodie, the heart of the role is trust:
“When someone chooses to share their goals with me, it means they trust me and that’s something I never take for granted.” – Jodie
Natalie: Supporting Daily Routines and Community Connections
Natalie’s day starts with a handover and diary check, then straight into supporting people with their routines. From personal care to weekly planners, it’s about creating structure and confidence.
“Helping someone start their day feeling prepared and positive is one of the best parts of my job.”
Her role takes her everywhere: medical appointments, social activities, Live Well services and even allotments where people find new passions. Flexibility is key, and Natalie’s proudest moments come from seeing someone try something new and succeed.
“Seeing someone meet new people and realise they can do it – that’s what makes me proud.”
– Natalie Wood
Lee: From Fire Services to Friendships
For Lee, variety is the spice of life: one day it’s PAT testing, the next it’s working with the local fire service, police or drug and alcohol services to link people into support.
Everything begins with a conversation: “What do you need, and how can we make it happen?”
The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Lee recalls supporting someone who went from isolation to making a whole new circle of friends through a local group.
– Lee Norris
Mandy: A Brew, a Chat and Lasting Foundations
Mandy’s day always starts with the kettle on. That first handover helps her focus the day around what matters most: happiness and consistency for the people she supports.
Her job is to build relationships and put foundations in place that staff teams can continue with, ensuring the support isn’t just a one-off but something sustainable.
– Mandy Millington
Millie: A Busy Schedule and a Full Heart
Millie’s motto is simple: “the busier the better.”
Her week is a mix of swimming sessions, car boot sales, museum visits and choir rehearsals, but also admin like case studies, engagement sheets and risk assessments.
“People always know I’m around for a brew and a chat, which happens more often than not!” – Millie
When motivation dips, Millie adapts. Sometimes it’s about swapping swimming for a sit-down and listening ear. She likens herself to a gecko, flexible and always ready to change shape to meet the moment.
Her proudest moment? Supporting someone through a hospital stay:
“It reminded me that helping people is where I feel most at home.” – Millie
Outside of work, Millie recharges with reading (over 80 books this year!), puzzles and singing with her choir.
Her advice to anyone thinking about becoming a CLC?
“Do it! Be visible, be flexible, and most importantly, listen. Even if someone’s idea of an activity is just a brew, that matters.” – Millie
Jay: Community Connections on the Wirral
Jay’s day begins with a relaxed handover, a coffee and a chat with the people he supports. These conversations often spark ideas for activities or highlight where someone might need a bit of extra support.
Most days include two or three planned activities, from walks in the community to group trips or exploring new opportunities. Alongside this, Jay records progress through case studies, supports with medication and appointments, and helps people connect with local services such as the Job Centre, CMHT or Citizens Advice Bureau.
One of his proudest moments was supporting someone to slowly re-engage with health services after years of avoiding appointments. With encouragement and teamwork, that person is now thriving, reconnecting with family, regaining independence and enjoying life again.
For Jay, the variety is what makes the role special:
“One day I could be fishing, the next riding rollercoasters at Alton Towers — every day feels new.” – Jay
Why We Love This Job
For all of our CLCs, the role isn’t just about activities or appointments it’s about people. Every day is a chance to:
- Build trust.
- Encourage independence.
- Create opportunities.
- Celebrate achievements big and small.
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had, every day is different, and the team is amazing.” – Jodie
“If you care about people and want to make a real difference, you’ll love it here.” – Natalie
Learn More and Stay Connected
Want to know more about our work at Next Stage AWF?
👉 Visit us at: www.nextstageawf.co.uk
👉 Stay connected with us on social media: facebook.com/NextStageAWF
👉 Hear from our senior CLC, Jacob here: Next Stage Blog – Jacob Sandland
